Why are older people so against manual/stick shift cars?

Question

Im 20 and have always driven a manual/stick shift car. I love it. Im looking at selling my current car which is a manual and my dad has said he will help me out with money if i need a little bit extra to buy a new car. Anyway he has been looking around but refuses flat out to look at manual cars, he says autos are heaps easier and practicle. Which is true, but i think id be too ruthless behind the wheel of an automatic, coz you know when your in those situations of should i or shouldnt i go, in an auto all you have to do is push the pedal down a bit harder and your off!! In a manual you atleast have to shift down gears and then plant foot.

Also i feel more aware driving a manual, like im more cautious/observant because i have to be changing gears all the time so im more alert etc. Rather than just cruising around like im driving a freakin go kart. Also i still havnt got my 'full' license and if i sat it in an auto i wouldnt be able to drive a manual car, i would have to take the test again in a manual. And i know no one else who drives a manual that i could borrow.

Im a good driver, my mum and dad both agree on that. Do its not like im a shyt *** driver that needs an auto to drive properly. So why wont they let me have another manual? its annoying. I know i will need their money to upgrade to a better car (i have 2 kids so want a safer, bigger car) as i dont work and my fiance works his a$$ off just to pay for the basics

Answer 1

It isn't 'older people' in general that are against manual transmission cars, just YOUR older people.



You might ask them why they are so set against a manual. To my mind there is no better choice. Better gas mileage, lighter weight, less costly to repair, more control of speed.



So choose the bigger, safer four door sedan with manual transmission. Make sure it has seat belts for the kids, and a safety lock mechanism so they can't bail on you while you are driving. In the US that is pretty much standard, but wherever you are it may not be.



Take your dad for a drive in it. Talk fuel economy, repair and maintenance costs, safety. He may be thinking an automatic would be more convenient without thinking about the economics.

Answer 2

i'm assuming you don't live in the US where one can drive any kind of car they want with a basic license. Personally I agree with you completely, driving a manual is the way to go. I've owned two Manual cars and two automatic cars in my life, and the two manuals were my favorites by far. I found that breaking an automatic transmission is like breaking an egg. I'll be that I could destroy a brand new automatic transmission in just a couple hours. As for why older people don't like them, I've found that it's mostly because of sore legs. My mother can't drive a manual anymore because the clutch pedal hurts her knee too much. I also suppose that when you get older shifting may seem like a pain in the butt. But that's not alwasy true, I knew a guy in his 80's who insisted on driving manual. I also agree that driving manual keeps you alert. I've driven across the US several times, the first time in an automatic. I found myself falling asleep at the wheel in it. Each time since I've driven a manual and even though I'd get fatigued, I never fell asleep or even nodded my head. I gues you should just keep hasseling your parents for a manual, because IMO its worth it.

Answer 3

You are not more alert. You are more distracted with a manual. As well, I bet you rev it to 3500 to 4000 before shifting, If you do that it feels good but your gas mileage becomes poorer than an automatic.



As well modern autos will actually out accelerate a stick. The computer can shift faster than you and knows the veru best shift points.



A big issue is that except for a few models, like a Miata, a car with a manual is worth a lot less for trade in as so few people want them.



The manual transmission was a holdover from 1895 and the plan always was to get rid of it as soon as we had the technology. Thge manual has not improved since 1960 with the introduction od a synchromest first gear.



If your parents are paying humor them. When you buy your own car, all on your own, buy what you want. ANd no, you willnot need to take your test over again.



Never do something repetitive that a machine can do better for you.

Answer 4

It is a matter of preference. Most older people learned on manual transmission to start with, but there are advantages to both. I drive auto, but have owned several manual cars. I only drive auto because that is what the dealer had when I purchased.

Manual doesn't keep you more alert, that is bogus. When you are on the highway, you are in high on a manual, drive in an auto. If you need the stimulus of shifting when you are in city traffic they you are either sleep-impaired, or lack the concentration necessary to drive safely IMHO.



In your case, if you are accepting you parents' money, you have to accept their input into the vehicle. They have your safety in mind, not your fun. You may be able to convince them to let you choose a standard if you talk nice, you may not. Otherwise, you have to buy your own.

Answer 5

My dad is in his 50s,and I don't think he's ever driven anything but a stick. I suppose your parents (like myself) just prefer an automatic transmission. I see your point about being more aware of your situation, but with two kids in the vehicle, let'sbe honest, you might need a spare hand that won't have to be working a manual shifter.

Answer 6

Its just his preference, If you know how to drive a stick the right way then fuel mileage would be the same if not better.

Answer 7

Myself, I get stuck in so much traffic that a clutch is a pain, and tends to wear out quicker than if you can just put it in gear and go.